KENOSHA — Carthage College men's volleyball has been selected as the preseason favorite in the 2026 College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin Men's Volleyball Preseason Coaches Poll, the league announced Monday.

The Firebirds earned five first-place votes and totaled 25 points to claim the top spot. Loras followed with 20 points and one first-place vote, while North Central (Ill.) placed third with 17 points. 

Monday's announcement marks the second consecutive season Carthage has been picked first in the preseason poll and the fifth time overall the Firebirds have earned that distinction.

Carthage enters the 2026 season following a standout 2025 campaign that saw the Firebirds post a 23-4 overall record and a 9-1 mark in conference play. Under the direction of head coach JW Kieckhefer, a four-time CCIW Coach of the Year, Carthage has captured four conference championships since 2021. 

Firebirds made it all the way to the NCAA Regional Quarterfinal last season as team opens the 2026 season on Tuesday, January 13, with a 6 p.m. road match at Lakeland in Plymouth, Wis. Carthage will play its home opener on Thursday, January 15, hosting Benedictine (Ill.) at 7 p.m. inside Tarble Arena. Conference play for the Firebirds begins Thursday, February 19 at 7 p.m. against Illinois Wesleyan.